Singapore Base

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 45, 1 February 1924, Page 5

Singapore Base

Floating Dock Scheme

LONG TOW PRACTICABLE.

OPPOSITION TO THE PROJECT.

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received 1, 8.55 a.m.) * London, Jan. 31. Naval circles point out that the floating dock was originally towed to Chatham in sections and other sections of the dock were added, making a dock suitable for Malta, in view of the battle squadron of the Atlantic Fleet shortly joining the Mediterranean Fleet. A second ex-German floating dock is available for Malta in the event of the larger one going to Singapore, whither it could be towed in eight sections, minimising the risks of the voyage.

Opponents of the scheme interpret the Admiralty’s floating dock proposals as merely an attempt to achieve the end gradually by out-manoeuvring the Labour Government.—(A. and N.Z.)

PREMATURE REPORTS.

London, Jan. 31. “The Times” says that as so many stories are being circulated concerning the future of the Singapore base it would be as well to state that so far the question has not been considered by Cabinet in any form whatever.— (Times.)

OPINION IN AUSTRALIA

HOSTILITY TO ABANDONMENT.

Sydney, Jan. 31. Federal Ministers state that they have no information and refuse to comment on the cabled report that the British Government has abandoned the Singapore base.

General Sir John Monash considers that abandonment would Ibe not only a mistake, but a disaster; it would upset the whole scheme of Imperial defence. The project is too srious to be handled by the Government, as the cabled report indicated. The Hon. T. W. Ley, Minister of Justice, declared that abandonment would be a tragedy to Australia and the Empire. Something must be done, and Australia must make it clear that the abandonment would mean jeopardising her future. Mr. Charlton, leader of the Federal Opposition, said he was pleased to hear the news. He was always against the project. He considered it was made quite unnecessary by the Washington Conference.